Treating sexual abuse is Lynne’s specialty. Managing the needs of those that have been sexually abused can be complicated because it involves impeccable timing, gut reactions, and very advanced training. In Lynne’s office it also involves creative tools, art therapy, verbal therapy, play therapy, and role playing. For Lynne, it requires the spontaneous creation of an idea or tool that can only come from a gifted and trained therapist…and a therapist with the capacity to be willing to go anywhere the patient needs while also keeping them very, very safe.

Lynne says that she loves what she does because she sees children and teens get better, and most likely avoid future problems in adulthood. Adult women that are struggling as survivors of childhood sexual abuse have different needs. Ultimetly however, they can be treated and have healthy selves and relationships sometimes for the first times in their lives. Lynne runs groups that serve as an adjunct for some of these types of patients. Patients often find this interactive and creative group work suprisingly fun and effective.The sexual abuse of youngsters is unfortunately still very prevalent. Incest, date rape, teachers, coaches, parents, doctors, strangers. When Lynne is able to work with children or teens when they are still young they have a greater chance at having more integrated adult relationships when they get older. Further, treatment at this young age, considered early intervention, can prevent these young patients from developing psychiatric disorders or developmental delays. When adult women who have survived childhood sexual abuse by a family member come to Lynne for treatment which they did not get as children, their relationships ofen begin to improve, along with their self esteem and body image issues. Also, if the adult patient so desires, Lynne is skilled in helping her discuss the relationship or lack of relationship with the family member, and consider options. Adults that have recently been sexually abused, date or stranger raped, are often in shock and have to deal with acute symptoms as well as major interruption of their life. Partners are often a big part of treatment and Lynne’s creative tools are used with both the individual as well as with the couple and often the family, who are usually affected as well.

LYNNE: “Whether the patient is a young child, teen, or adult woman, symptoms of those who have been sexually abused are often similar: dissociation, flashbacks, distrust, eating disorders, low self esteem, phobias, nightmares, anxiety and panic attacks. In children, ego development is likely to be interrupted. In adolescents who have been abused as children, puberty brings a new set of symptoms as the body changes and matures. Risk for substance abuse escalates monumentally. In adult women who survived childhood sexual abuse, interpersonal and intimate relationships are often confusing, scary, and difficult.”

Lynne says that children are very intuitive. Most take to her quickly. They feel safe around her because they know that however dark the places are they need to explore and inhabit (to “feel better,”as she tells them,) she will be with them, never letting go. They are safe.